PRAGUE, Oct 5, SPA -- Czech President Vaclav Klauson Friday signed into law the government's reform plan,which includes tax cuts and changes to welfare programs, AP QUOTED astatement from his office as saying. The bill is designed to reduce the budget deficit andprepare for the adoption of the euro. Prime Minister MirekTopolanek had said earlier the move was just the first stepin preparing for further reform of the pension and healthcare systems. The measures include reducing the corporate tax rate from24 to 21 percent next year and to 19 percent in 2009. Theplan creates a 15 percent flat tax for personal income inplace of the progressive levy of up to 32 percent. The government expects a drop in revenue due to proposedlower taxes to be offset by raising the value-added (sales)taxes on goods and services. The bill will also eliminate most corporate write-offs,reduce state-funded social benefits and introduce fees forvisits to doctors and hospitals. It was approved by the parliament's lower chamber on Aug21. The upper chamber, the Senate, voted 49-27 to pass thebill on Sept 19. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/488297